How to Install a Thermostat on a Honda Civic

Written by dan ferrell

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You can install a new thermostat using a few common tools. (Photo courtesy of IFCAR at Wikipedia.org.)

The thermostat on your Honda Civic is an effective component of the cooling system. However, once its thermal mechanism fails and stops regulating engine temperature, it needs to be replaced to prevent engine overheating or under-temperature operation. You can install a new thermostat with a few common tools.

Skill level:

Moderately Easy

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Things you need

Drain pan

Floor jack and 2 jack stands

Wrench set

Ratchet and socket set

Phillips screwdriver

Rib joint pliers

Antifreeze

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Instructions

Remove the Thermostat

1

Place a drain pan under the radiator drain valve and remove the radiator cap.

2

Open the radiator drain valve and remove at least 2 quarts of coolant. Close the drain valve.

3

Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and safely support it on two jack stands.

4

Remove the splash shield from the underside of the engine with a wrench or ratchet and socket.

5

Disconnect the lower radiator hose at the thermostat housing on the engine side. Use a Phillips screwdriver, rib joint pliers or ratchet and socket, depending on clamp type used on your particular Honda Civic.

6

Unscrew the three thermostat housing mounting bolts with a ratchet and socket.

Install the Thermostat

Set the new thermostat in place along with a new O-ring or rubber seal.

2

Install the thermostat housing and start the three mounting bolts by hand to avoid damaging the threads. Tighten the mounting bolts.

3

Connect the lower radiator hose to the thermostat housing and tighten the clamp.

4

Re-install the splash shield to the underside of the engine.

5

Refill the cooling system with a solution of 50 per cent water and 50 per cent antifreeze.

6

Replace the radiator cap. If your Honda Civic came equipped with a bleeding screw or valve on the thermostat housing, bleed the cooling system.

Bleed the Cooling System

1

Start the engine and let it idle for three minutes.

2

Loosen the bleed screw on the thermostat housing with a wrench or ratchet and socket, just enough to let the air bleed through.

3

Tighten the bleed screw when the coolant begins to leak through the bleed screw.

4

Turn the engine off.

5

Wait about 15 minutes to let the engine cool down and add coolant to the reservoir tank. Make sure the level reaches between the "Low" and "Full" marks.

Tips and warnings

Some Honda Civic models may have more than one bleed screw to bleed the cooling system properly. Consult your owner's manual or your local dealer for more information.

Store coolant in a closed container and dispose of it properly. The sweet taste of ethylene glycol in antifreeze may attract cats, dogs and even children with fatal results.

Removing the radiator or coolant reservoir cap in a hot engine may blow coolant out and cause severe burns or injuries. Makes sure the coolant is at a low temperature before removing the radiator or reservoir tank cap.